My dog's anal gland ruptured. When will it heal and stop leaking?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
My Chihuahua mix had an anal gland rupture two days ago. It is still leaking clear fluid that has been drying near the hole. When will the gland close?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on November 7th, 2015
It usually takes about a week for an anal gland rupture to heal, but that assumes that the dog is on appropriate antibiotics and that the infection inside is clearing. If you're only seeing clear fluid and not pus, it sounds like the infection is getting better. You can apply warm compresses to the ruptured gland (wet a cloth and microwave it for 45 seconds or so until it's warm but not hot) for 5 minutes 3 times daily. It's actually not a bad thing that the hole doesn't close up too quickly, because it give the normal duct a chance to return to normal (the swelling to decrease) yet the gland will continue to drain.
146Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on June 26th, 2018
Your vet will have cleaned out the infection from the anal sac, but it will take medication for the infection to completely clear up. I'm assuming that your vet gave Chase antibiotics, and those should help with the infection and clear up the pus. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on January 1st, 2017
With anal gland infection you must be patient, it may become worse before it becomes better, it often takes more than a month to resolve. as the treatment has been started yesterday i would not expect a clear improvement just yet, you need to give it time.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 7th, 2018
Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Pain medication and antiboitics are appropriate treatment for an anal gland rupture. Often we will express the other gland while we are addressing the ruptured gland, in case that one is about to rupture. Sometimes this is impossible if the animals are just too painful. I usually don't recommend removal of the anal gland when it is the first time, as there can be severe complications with the surgery. After a rupture there will be some 'juice' coming out, as some fluid will still drain from the rupture hole. It is important this is left open to drain to prevent another abscess from forming again. I also usually recommend a recheck in 10-14 days to express the glands again and make sure they are patent, as sometimes the swelling can cause them to block again. The best way to help Parker heal is to give the medications as prescribed, and keep a cone on him so he can't chew or lick at the area. Best of luck with Parker.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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